tropes: fake dating (showmance), celebrity romance, dance competition, forced proximity, interracial romance,

Plot: celebrity dance TV competition, Gina has never made it to the finals of the show despite competing for the last four years. Her newest partner is the star of an Alaskan survivalist show, and they are being set up for a showmance. Gina is resistant to the idea and to Stone. Gina is career focused and doesn't have time for romance, real or not. She's a minority trying to navigate the industry and that requires all of her attention.

Stone worked for me but that absolutely could be from the brief time I was obsessed with lumberjacks on TikTok. Plus, dude is big, strong AND kind and considerate?? The man even likes cuddles. Stone definitely checks off lots of book boyfriend boxes. I honestly don't see how Gina resisted him for as long as she did.

Overall, a sweet and funny rom com with a celebrity gossip type of feel. It feels like we got peak behind the curtain at Gina and Stone's lives. They felt very real to me. Also, I like that it showed that a lot of these moments we might see with our real-life celebrities are likely scripted or forced. This I think is important in a time where people are obsessed with the celebrity lifestyle. I did wish that there was more focus on dancing in the story instead of the drama of the show. There was a lot of tension and pining left on the table by not having more intimate dance practices or performances. Outside of that, this would be perfect for a summer read to relax especially for people who love Dancing with the Stars.

A spicy, feel-good romance set behind the scenes of a celebrity dance competition. The chemistry is fiery, and the dance elements are fun and vibrant. A lively escape for fans of glamorous, high-energy love stories.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Dance Off Series/Time to Dance #1

Take the Lead by Alexis Daria is her debut novel from 2017 that has been repackaged and republished as of 2023. At the time of writing his review, the series has been renamed the Time to Dance series and the second book is having its re-release in September 2025.

Gina Morales has been on Dance Off (think Dancing with the Stars) for four seasons and with her latest partner, Stone, being the sexy star of an Alaskan survival show she thinks they have a shot at winning it all. That is, until her producer tries to develop a showmance. Stone will endure anything if it means keeping his family’s secrets and while he longs for the peace of his home, he can’t stop his own feelings.

It has been a bit since I read a book by Alexis Daria, but I really enjoyed this one. As they got to know each, Stone and Gina were able to develop a chemistry that was really enjoyable both in their dances and in their budding relationship. It also translated well to the spicy scenes.

This book has a lot of background into reality television, specifically the Dance Off show. I’m not sure how much of it would be factually accurate, but the way it is presented in this book was done really well for my understanding. There was a brief mention from Stone of their being a house fire and a lawsuit. I wish we got more into that, but it was only briefly mentioned. Because a lot of the survival show surrounding Stone’s family is staged, there were a lot of secrets surrounding it that I would like to know more about.

Overall, I am giving this one 4 stars. I do anticipate reading the second book and the novella once they are republished and I look forward to more releases from Alexis Daria.

A book where a couple come see other through the dancing competition is what I need in my life. It’s sexy and entertaining and keeps you glued from start to finish.

I didn't enjoy this as much as some of Daria's other work, but I look forward to seeing what she'll put out after this. I think maybe I'm just more into paranormal.

*Take the Lead* by Alexis Daria is a vibrant, heartfelt romance that shines with Latinx representation and electric chemistry. Gina and Stone’s slow-burn love story is both swoon-worthy and deeply emotional, set against the dazzling backdrop of a reality dance competition. With rich culture, dynamic characters, and undeniable passion, this book is an absolute joy to read! I will be re-reading this book!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy! I just couldn't get in the mood for this one, but I do love this author!

This book offers a sweet, slow-burn romance with some serious chemistry between Gina and Stone. The dance competition backdrop adds fun energy, and the tension of navigating a fake relationship while battling real emotions keeps things interesting. While the premise is somewhat predictable, the characters' growth and their genuine connection shine through. If you’re into steamy, opposites-attract romances with a touch of fame and a lot of dancing, this one's definitely a great pick.

I loved this one so much that I started it near the end of a flight and finished it by the pool early the next day.

There’s something about this authors writing that really works for me and I can’t nail it at this point, but I can say that she really nails the chemistry of the two main characters.

I’ve only watched one season of dancing with the stars so who knows if this really matches that, but I loved it

Alexis Daria can do no wrong.

She’s saucy, sassy, sexy, and gives all the Latinx vibes I need to make me feel not alone.

I think I read the original one may a year ago, but of course I don’t remember.

So the cover and re-release is where it’s at. Definitely as hot as I remember and will still be a 5 star.

Take the Lead by Alexis Daria was an okay book. I wish the main character had been more loveable because then I would have enjoyed this book more.

DNFed - I chose to DNF this book in the past. I am typing as a review so it doesn't harm my %. I haven't chose to pick the title back up.

Take the Lead by Alexis Daria was just okay for me. Through NetGalley I am realizing that a lot of romance is not for me, but it was still a good read.

I loved this book.

It made me feel like I was reading a season of Dancing with the Stars with all the behind-the-scenes and drama we don't see on TV.

Stone is so sexy. His big muscle man, mountain man, and gruffness turning into such an amazing dancer who laughs and jokes.

I love Gina's Latina sassiness. I felt seen, which is what all of Alexis Daria's books do. Make me feel seen and connected to the Latino culture a lot of romances are missing which is why I love all her books so much. This one was no different and she has quickly become a 1-click author to me.

Highly recommend!

I MEAN LOOK AT THIS COVERRRRRRRRRR!

Loved the Latina representation in this book! Love to see it!
Loved the tension and the sweetness on this book!

A mountain man dancing? Obsessed. I am extremely obsessed with this book and these characters.

GIna îs strong and knew how she wanted to present herself on her dance off show and Stone is a man that has gone with the flow when it comes to how he presents himself on his family show. He doesn't stand up for himself a lot, and their chemistry is just instant and I love them. I love how they start to care for each other and how the dances make them connect.

So great. I love this.

Let it be known that my family went through quite a serious Dancing with the Stars phase in my teenage years, so a romance novel set on a similar but fictional show is like catnip for this reader. Take the Lead gives us the showmance turned real that we all deserve to fantasize about.

Gina Morales' introduction to her new dancing partner has all the hallmarks of great reality TV, and she's wise to the narrative the producers hope to tell. Stone Nielson is already a reality TV star on a show about his family roughing it in the wild. Their first meeting includes a shirtless Stone chopping wood and then protecting Gina from a "bear" they hear in the wilderness, gallantly and literally sweeping her off her feet. It's going to be a showmance, and Gina has always been clear she's not interested in that kind of scheme. It will feed stereotypes about her and other Latina women and potentially make her seem unprofessional when she gets ready to make big career moves outside of reality TV. Gina's an all-business, competitive force. Passionate about dance and sunny on camera, she's always got an eye on her career's future and the treacherous path to success. She refuses to be derailed by what the producers have in mind or even her own feelings. Denial it is, then.

The thing with reality TV, of course, is that it's fake af. I'm not just talking about the showmance, but also the secret Stone's obligated to keep and his family's conviction that he won't be able to. He reluctantly agreed to do another, different reality TV stint, yet further outside his comfort zone, because the monetary prize would help pay off some of his mom's medical bills. The cost is the mounting pressure under media scrutiny and drama-sniffing producers to keep his family's curated story about themselves untarnished. Stone's been branded the strong, silent type on his family's show, but really he's a people pleaser with more to say than he's been given space for. Reality TV means even his family relationships are scripted, but dancing with Gina gives him a new way to communicate and be vulnerable. It's freeing and like nothing he expected.

The romance behind the scenes is a case of opposites attracting, and boy do they ~attract~. From an impromptu hot and heavy salsa lesson when they're not being watched by cameras to a strangely tantalizing spray tan session (who knew?), the two can't keep their eyes off each other. For all the fact that the producers are manipulative assholes, they have an eye for setting people up. My one complaint is that
the slow descent into a final-act breakup is never my vibe. Both protagonists assume it could never work between them long-term, even though they fall for each other pretty quickly. With those mental barriers up, they can't see a path forward, even should one exist. In their defense, a high-pressure competition isn't exactly the best environment for self-reflection and creative problem-solving. It IS a good environment for passions to flair, however.

I appreciate that not all the drama is from internal angst. We have all these cameras, producers, and the public ready to interfere and assume at a moment's notice should it suit them. We also have a rival (in the competition, not in a romantic sense) in the form of a grabby ice skating Olympian. We do see one of these villains get her comeuppance after a fashion, but it's indirect. I would have preferred a more straightforward response to all her harassment on the show, touching Stone though he never wants it and lets it be known.

I love a reality TV romance, and this one delivers on the drama both on camera and off. With sparkling protagonists like I've come to expect from Daria, the story covers both steamy and emotional ground. While the relationship mourning stage (R.I.P.) was early, extended, and not my flavor, I love the series concept and remain a firm fan of the author. Thanks to SMP Romance for my copy to read and review!

I originally gravitated towards this book because I love to watch the show Dancing with the Stars and the description sounded so much like that but with some romance and spice! Well this hit that spot perfectly! I loved the instant chemistry our main characters had. It set the stage for a magical romance.

3✨ this was cute & fun and entertaining!

while i wanted & expected more drama i did enjoy this! i was giggling and laughing throughout. dancing with the stars turns book. couldn’t have wanted anything else. and i loved the cultural representation here. also more men from alaska please & thank you.

stone was a brute. a shirtless wood chopping man of a man. loved seeing him open up and come to life more. his struggles and his kindness and he just ended up being so sweet. we always love the quiet ones.

gina is so kind and funny. she shows her affection and she’s so strong. i would’ve liked to see a bit more vulnerability from here given the things she’s been through. i think we needed more from her that made her a bit more relatable.

overall this was fun and spicy and entertaining! i’m not big on reality tv irl or in books but i am a fan of fake dating and i really enjoyed how this played out with their little “showmance”. loved their chemistry and vibes!

thank you st. martin’s, netgalley, and alexis for the arc!

A spicy romance on a dance show? Yes, please!

This was a fun romance! From the very beginning, there’s sexual tension between our main characters, a burly Alaskan wilderness guy, Stone, and a bubbly Latina, Gina. However, Gina is against the idea of a show romance even if there could be a chance for some chemistry, preferring to let her skill do the talking versus playing into her stereotype and gaining popularity through sexualizing herself. And Gina has never truly found herself attracted to her dance partners before, that is until Stone. Is she willing to throw her one rule out the window for him?

I loved that we got to see both perspectives within this romance. We got to see the thoughts from both sides which led to some entertaining moments between our lovers. The sexual tension was on fire! Especially being on a dance show where they’re forces to be intimately close. Wowza!

While this was predictable, none of the twists truly shocked me. I still found this to be very enjoyable. I danced my way through this with ease while the pun is definitely intended, I really did read with ease. I highly recommend this if you enjoy spicy romances mixed with some reality tv, especially around dance!